One metro community is utilizing a high-tech tool to keep the roads clear all while saving taxpayer dollars.

One metro community is utilizing a high-tech tool to keep the roads clear all while saving taxpayer dollars.

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Updated: 10:23 PM CST Dec 22, 2014

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WEBVTT As some of us prepare for a little snow, One metro community is utilizing a high- tech tool to keep the roads clear, and the same time- saving taxpayer dollars. KCCI's Ryan Smith is live in west des moines tonight to explain. In preparation for snow or ice - crews lay salt and brine down on city streets. Now - west des moines has a new camera in its public works arsenal to better track how much material is needed for its roadways. Like any parent - Kathy Dickinson wants to know she's safe when behind the wheel - especially when her two kids are along for the ride. Driving during an Iowa winter can be challenging. And there's no busier spot in the metro than Jordan Creek Parkway just days before Christmas. 6.07 "WE'RE CARRYING ALMOST 40,000 CARS A DAY ON THAT STRETCH OF ROAD." That's why west des moines public works will soon unveil a new high-tech tool to help track road conditions on Jordan Creek. The Vaisala camera unit uses infrared technology to monitor pavement temperatures, relative humidity and road friction. It will provide real-time temperature and condition updates - giving crews the data they need to determine how much de-icer materials are needed. 4.17 "THIS GOES BACK TO HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT. NO NEED PUTTING DOWN A LOT OF MATERIAL IF YOU DON'T NEED IT TO TAKE CARE OF THE SNOW OR ICE CONDITIONS THAT YOU HAVE AT THE TIME." The new units will also cut costs. 4.38 "IF YOU GO OUT THERE AND YOU PUT A LOT OF MATERIAL DOWN, YOU'RE JUST WASTING MATERIAL, COSTING THE TAXPAYER MONEY BY PUTTING EXCESS MATERIAL DOWN." One unit was recently attached to a public works truck. Another will be mounted on the Jordan Creek Parkway corridor next month. Let's talk cost for the city. West Des Moines bought the mounted-truck unit for 15- thousand dollars. The city will lease the unit on Jordan Creek Parkway at 800 bucks per month. The public works director tells me keeping better track of salt and brine distribution will ultimately save the city thousands. And these units will pay for themselves.

New tool will keep roads clear, save you money this winter

One metro community is utilizing a high-tech tool to keep the roads clear all while saving taxpayer dollars.